Media Release for immediate use, June 2008
Leading New Zealand Paediatrician And Allergist Disputes The Coeliac Story - To Speak At Auckland Gluten Free Food And
Allergy Show 5 – 6 July 2008
Christchurch-based paediatrician, allergist and author, Doctor Rodney Ford, disputes the assumption commonly held by
medical practitioners that a person has to suffer from Coeliac disease to be sensitive to gluten, a protein which is
found in wheat.
Doctor Ford, who is a world-renowned expert in food allergies, is a key note speaker at the Gluten Free Food and Allergy
Show in Auckland on July 5th and 6th. He is also an exhibitor and will be available to speak to the public at his booth.
Autographed copies of Dr Ford’s recently released book “The Gluten Syndrome” will be available at his stand along with
his eight other books on allergies and intolerances. “The Gluten Syndrome”includes Dr Ford’s clinical research and
conclusions that gluten not only affects the small intestine but also the brain, skin and nervous system. It outlines
the spectrum of gluten based symptoms from gluten sensitivity through to celiac disease and provides useful information
about diagnosis and treatment.
His research has led him to believe that up to one third of all cases of chronic illness and fatigue could be caused
through gluten sensitivity, and up to 1 in 10 (10%) people maybe suffering from what he has identified as “The Gluten
Syndrome.”
Dr Ford says “The Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show is a great opportunity to collaborate with other health
professionals who have reached similar conclusions.” “It provides a vehicle which enables us to get our message across
regarding the wide reaching implications of the gluten syndrome and other food allergies to both the general public and
to other medical practitioners.” “It also allows us to connect with and educate people who have allergies themselves or
care for children who suffer from allergies.”
Medical acceptance of food allergies as a cause of poor health, developmental delays or behavioral issues in children
has been frustratingly slow. Consequently many children are still subjected to unnecessary testing or medical procedures
in an effort to account for an often confusing array of symptoms (that can often be attributed to food intolerance).
Others are labeled as having behavioral problems, naughty, or their parents are challenged regarding their ability to
effective discipline or control their children. Dr Ford says “Food allergy testing is a simple, painless and effective
means of diagnosis that should be foremost in a medical practitioners mind when treating children, as food allergy is so
prevalent in our society, especially in children under seven years old.”
It is Dr Ford’s hope that increased media attention and events such as the Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show will lead
to a greater awareness among medical practitioners and the general public about the plight of allergy sufferers
ENDS